"This modern approach to the wedding experience provided couples with an exclusive moment to marry— without the stress of planning an elaborate wedding, the burden of excessive costs or the pressure of social expectations," the press release stated.
In addition to "Seal the Deal," Occoquan hosted the Firelight Night event. Local businesses also donated wedding gifts for the couples to take home after their respective ceremonies. Smith will host her "Valentine's Day Bash" in February, which will be similar to the "Seal the Deal" event where couples can have an intimate ceremony. For more information, please visit the clerk's website or social media.
Prince William County Police Officer Latrell Guy, who was a member of the 50th class, said he now better appreciates the hardships people face in dealing with mental illness.
"I just have a better understanding of what the person themselves might be going through and get them the help they need rather than go to a more restrictive route," Guy said. "We need to understand what they have to live with and how we can help them get through their day. It’s something everyone should take in general to be more knowledgeable about these situations."
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With a major snowstorm expected to impact the region starting Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on its winter storm preparations late last month.
Andrew Thorpe, Assistant Resident Engineer, presented an overview of VDOT's snow removal strategies during a recent meeting, emphasizing readiness across Stafford and neighboring counties.
The upcoming storm, fueled by a low-pressure system moving west to east, is forecast to bring significant wintry precipitation to the area. Snow is likely across most of the region, with sleet and freezing rain expected in southern areas late Sunday.
The system will exit the region by late Monday or early Tuesday.
Thorpe outlined VDOT's preparations, which include the allocation of $220 million statewide for snow removal and deployment of over 900 pieces of snow removal equipment across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. Stafford County alone will see more than 260 hired snow removal units, alongside VDOT-owned equipment. Crews have stockpiled 29,000 tons of salt and sand and 58,000 gallons of salt brine for pre-treatment. Preparations began in July with contractor coordination and continued with a recent dry run to finalize plans. VDOT's tiered approach prioritizes clearing Interstate 95, primary roads, and access to public safety facilities before moving to high-volume secondary roads and subdivisions. During severe storms, plows focus on making roads passable for emergency vehicles, with follow-up efforts to fully clear roadways as conditions improve. Thorpe emphasized the importance of technology, including GPS tracking on equipment, which allows for real-time monitoring of plowing progress. Residents can access live updates on v.plows.org and view road conditions through the 511 website and app. He also encouraged drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather, ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, and use proper shoveling techniques to minimize re-blocking driveways after plows pass. The Board of Supervisors thanked VDOT for its proactive planning and dedication to keeping roads safe. Residents with concerns or inquiries can contact VDOT’s 24/7 customer service center at 1-800-4-ROAD.An elevated winter storm threat is expected late Sun.-Mon. There is increasing confidence in regards to potential travel impacts & closures, especially for the Monday commute. More detailed snow & ice totals will be provided within the next 24 hrs at https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf. pic.twitter.com/g1dU0K8xvh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 2, 2025
Stafford Hospital also welcomed its first baby of the year, Miles Roy, born at 4:59 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1.5 ounces. Miles’ parents, Jessica and Ken of Spotsylvania. He joins big brothers Garrett, 5, and Jackson, 2.
The hospital did not provide the last names of the parents.
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Jan. 6 (Monday)
- Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 8
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Starting Jan. 1 through Jan. 17, Prince William County residents can leave their greenery out on the curb. There are also three sites around the county that are accepting trees and additional greenery during this period:
- The Prince William County Landfill, 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
- The Prince William County Compost Facility, 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), located at 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville, is accepting trees until Jan. 12. The drop-off area is in the front parking lot, outlined with orange safety cones. For more information, contact NOVEC’s vegetation management department at [email protected].
If you choose to recycle, be sure to remove all organments, decorations, tinsel, nails and tree stand before leaving it at the curb or dropping it off.
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In the late 1900s, before smartphones and 24/7 weather updates, people often tuned into The Weather Channel (TWC) for the most up-to-date forecasts; as a child, Tony Craddock tuned in to listen to the soothing background music that accompanied the forecasts. Years later, when his own music was featured on the channel, it was a surreal, full-circle moment for Craddock. His 2011 Christmas album was picked up by TWC and served as background music for the season’s forecasts.
Craddock’s musical journey began in sixth grade when he chose the saxophone—an instrument he describes as having a tone and command close to the human voice. His passion for the sax blossomed through mentorship, early private lessons, and the influence of his father, an avid jazz listener.
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Residents of Ward 3 interested in serving for the remainder of the term, which ends December 31, 2025, are encouraged to apply by January 15, 2025.
The two step process involves submitting a Boards & Commissions Appointment Application online and emailing a resume. The Council will discuss the appointment further during its January 14, 2025, meeting and must select a replacement within 45 days of January 1, per the City Charter.
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With snow in the forecast this weekend and the coldest air of the season on the way, your home’s foundation and basement could be at risk. Freezing temperatures and melting snow can lead to leaks, cracks, and costly damage. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your home now with NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair.
Our expert team specializes in keeping your basement dry and your foundation secure, no matter what winter brings. Whether you need waterproofing, crack repairs, or foundation stabilization, we’ve got you covered.
![[Courtesy of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-12-13-Circuit-Court-Clerk-Jacqueline-Smith-Seal-the-Deal-Event-at-Occoquan-3-e1735922699839-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}
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![[Courtesy of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-12-13-Circuit-Court-Jacqueline-Smith-Seal-the-Deal-event-at-Occoquan-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}